Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies is a studies-based interdisciplinary major. It features the academic (aesthetic, analytical, critical, historical, theoretical) and interdisciplinary study of communication as represented by the departments included within the Lew Klein College of Media and Communication.
Designed to ensure flexibility and choice, Communication Studies allows students a chance to fully investigate multiple fields in the communications discipline. Emphasis is placed on providing an overview of Communication while also accentuating personal academic growth. Personal choice and options allow students a chance to complete the degree in a timely manner.
In this interdisciplinary program, Communication Studies students must select one of the following concentrations as a distinctive area of investigation:
- Communication and Entrepreneurship
- Contemporary Media Environments
- Global and Community Engagement
- Production (for Temple Japan students only)
- Communication Studies Thesis (the Major of Distinction concentration, which is available for advanced scholars)
An optional concentration in International Communication is also available.
The flexibility of the Communication Studies program offers students access to the field experiences, internships and study away experiences vital to a comprehensive education. Students with a number of skill sets and academic interest areas are often drawn to this innovative program and graduates are poised for a number of professional and academic possibilities, such as graduate, law or professional school. Graduates of this program will be well-suited to pursue a variety of positions across numerous aspects of the communications field.
Students receive cross-curricular expertise through foundation and core courses. Academic rigor and student choice are at the very core of the program. Choices allow a student flexibility, and curricular oversight ensures a solid, academically robust education. Courses are designed to allow student progress to be monitored at yearly intervals. Experiential learning is promoted, particularly during the junior and senior years. Cross cultural exchanges and experiences are integral aspects of the program's design. Advanced scholars have a distinct and individualized concentration.
Communication Studies Thesis (Major of Distinction) Concentration
The Communication Studies Thesis concentration, also referred to as the Major of Distinction concentration, is an academically rigorous program for students who wish to construct an interdisciplinary curriculum that meets their individual interests across the Klein departments. In the Major of Distinction, each student works individually with a faculty advisor from a relevant Klein department to build a curriculum that goes beyond the offered concentrations. The student completes five courses, four of which must be at the 3000 or 4000 level, and in the senior year completes a two-semester thesis. A student in the Major of Distinction must have completed three semesters of a foreign language (or equivalent with the approval of the Director of Communication Studies) by the time of graduation. If appropriate to the student's research, an advanced methods or theory course may be required by the student's faculty advisor.
Students apply for a Major of Distinction in the second semester of their sophomore year. To be considered, students must be on schedule to complete their Foundational and Core Communications courses by the end of their sophomore year. Also, students must have earned at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) in their Foundational and Core Communications courses along with a 3.25 overall GPA. Students must submit an application to the Director of Communication Studies that includes a statement of student's interest, a proposed curriculum, and a support letter from a full-time Klein faculty member willing to act as the student's faculty advisor.
Once accepted into the Major of Distinction and in consultation with his or her faculty advisor and the Director of Communication Studies, each student constructs his or her own curriculum. The curriculum must contain five courses, four of which must be at the 3000 or 4000 level, and include courses from at least three of the Klein majors. Courses selected should be designed to lead to the senior-year thesis.
Campus Locations: Main and Japan
Program Code: CO-CMST-BA
Contact Information
Main Campus
Scott Gratson, PhD, Program Director
Annenberg Hall, Room 9D
215-204-6434
sgratson@temple.edu
Kisha Hence, Assistant Program Director
Annenberg Hall, Room 9C
215-204-6603
khence@temple.edu
Temple Japan Campus
Kevin Jones, MFA, Chair of the Division of Media and Fine Arts
kevinhjones@tuj.temple.edu
Ron Carr, MFA, Faculty Advisor for the Communication Studies Major
carr@tuj.temple.edu
Learn more about the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies.
These requirements are for students who matriculated in academic year 2024-2025. Students who matriculated prior to fall 2024 should refer to the Archives to view the requirements for their Bulletin year.
Summary of Requirements
The degree of Bachelor of Arts may be conferred upon a student majoring in Communication Studies by the recommendation of the faculty and upon satisfactory completion of a minimum of 124 semester hours (s.h.) of credit with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 overall and in the major.
Students must meet:
- University requirements
- All students are required to complete the General Education (GenEd) curriculum.
- All students must take a minimum of two writing-intensive courses in the major at Temple University.
- Lew Klein College of Media and Communication requirements, including KLN 1002 and KLN 1002.
- Minimum of 42 s.h. in Communication Studies.
- Each course that fulfills a requirement for the major must be passed with a C- or better.
- Maximum of 30 s.h. in any one Klein department may be counted toward the major.
- A maximum of 4 s.h. of Internship credit may be counted toward the degree.
- A maximum of 8 s.h. combined of Independent Study and/or Special Projects may be counted toward the degree.
- No more than 8 s.h. in Kinesiology and Dance activities courses.
- Students may participate in study away programs.
- Transfer students are required to complete a minimum of 24 s.h. of major courses at Temple.
-
Communication Studies majors may minor in established Klein minors. The Communication Studies student who declares a minor must complete the entire program requirements for both the major and the minor. Courses listed for both the Communication Studies major and Klein minor will only apply towards one of the curriculums. If the class is part of an array of courses, students will be required to take a different course to satisfy the major requirement.
Communication Studies: Communication Studies Thesis (Major of Distinction) Requirements
- All Communication Studies majors must take two foundation courses:
Course List Code Title Credit Hours CMST 1111 Communication and Public Life 3 Select one of the following: Introduction to Media Analysis Communicating Organizational Change Global Communication and Leadership Total Credit Hours 3 - All majors will take five additional core courses. Students will select one course each from the categories below (15 credits). Students should plan to meet the prerequisites for courses in their selected concentration (see below) by taking appropriate core courses.
Course List Code Title Credit Hours Core Courses CMST 2111 Communications Seminar 1 3 Communication Theory Select one of the following: 3 Introduction to Media and Society Introduction to Advertising Journalism and Society Introduction to Media Theory Research Methods Select one of the following: 3 Introduction to Brand Strategy and Research Journalism Research Media Research 1 Analysis Select one of the following: 3 Introduction to Art Direction: Visual Communication Media Popular Culture 1 Introduction to Public Speaking or CSI 1911Honors Introduction to Public Speaking Cross-Cultural Perspectives Select one of the following: 3 Intercultural Communication Communication, Culture and Identity Total Credit Hours 15 - 1
Course has prerequisites.
- In the Communication Studies Thesis (Major of Distinction), each student works individually with a faculty advisor from a relevant Klein department to build a curriculum that goes beyond that offered by the established concentrations.
Course List Code Title Credit Hours Major of Distinction Coursework 21 One Klein course at any level 3 Four 3000+ Klein courses 12 CMST Thesis Hours 6 Language Proficiency Language 1001 levelLanguage 1002 levelLanguage 1003 level
Suggested Academic Plan
Please note that this is a suggested academic plan. Depending on your situation, your academic plan may look different.
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with Concentration in Communication Studies Thesis (Major of Distinction)
Suggested Plan for New Students Starting in the 2024-2025 Academic Year
Year 1 | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credit Hours | |
CMST 1111 | Communication and Public Life | 3 |
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Introduction to Media Analysis | ||
Communicating Organizational Change | ||
Global Communication and Leadership | ||
ENG 0802 | Analytical Reading and Writing [GW] or Analytical Reading and Writing: ESL [GW] or Honors Analytical Reading and Writing [GW] | 4 |
KLN 1001 | Klein First-Year Seminar | 1 |
Foreign Language 1001 level | 4 | |
Credit Hours | 15 | |
Spring | ||
KLN 1002 | Klein College Introduction to Professional Development | 1 |
Select one of the following (Communication Theory): | 3 | |
Introduction to Media and Society | ||
Introduction to Advertising | ||
Journalism and Society | ||
Introduction to Media Theory | ||
IH 0851 or IH 0951 | Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life [GY] or Honors Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life [GY] | 3 |
GenEd Quantitative Literacy Course [GQ] | 4 | |
GenEd Breadth Course | 3 | |
Foreign Language 1002 Level | 4 | |
Credit Hours | 18 | |
Year 2 | ||
Fall | ||
CMST 2111 | Communications Seminar | 3 |
Select one of the following (Analysis): | 3 | |
Introduction to Art Direction: Visual Communication | ||
Media Popular Culture | ||
Introduction to Public Speaking or Honors Introduction to Public Speaking | ||
GenEd Breadth Course | 3-4 | |
GenEd Breadth Course | 3 | |
Foreign Language 1003 Level | 3 | |
Credit Hours | 15 | |
Spring | ||
Select one of the following (Research Methods): | 3 | |
Introduction to Brand Strategy and Research | ||
Journalism Research | ||
Media Research | ||
Select one of the following (Cross-Cultural Perspectives): | 3 | |
Intercultural Communication | ||
Communication, Culture and Identity | ||
IH 0852 or IH 0952 | Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good [GZ] or Honors Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good [GZ] | 3 |
GenEd Breadth Course | 3 | |
GenEd Breadth Course | 3 | |
Credit Hours | 15 | |
Year 3 | ||
Fall | ||
One Writing-Intensive Klein Course - any level | 3 | |
One 3000-4999 Klein Course | 3 | |
GenEd Breadth Course | 3 | |
Electives | 6 | |
Credit Hours | 15 | |
Spring | ||
One 3000-4999 Writing-Intensive Klein Course | 3 | |
One 4000-4999 Klein Course | 3 | |
GenEd Breadth Course | 3 | |
Electives | 7 | |
Credit Hours | 16 | |
Year 4 | ||
Fall | ||
Thesis Hours | 3 | |
One 3000-4999 Klein Course | 3 | |
Electives | 9 | |
Credit Hours | 15 | |
Spring | ||
Thesis Hours | 3 | |
Electives | 12 | |
Credit Hours | 15 | |
Total Credit Hours | 124 |
Optional Concentration
The optional International Communication Concentration (ICC) provides a theoretical and practical education in international and intercultural communication and media. This program allows students to develop sought-after competencies in cultural sensitivity and intercultural communication skills by encouraging students to reflect on their own cultural lenses. Students participating in the ICC program will be exposed to multiple international perspectives through internationally- and interculturally-oriented courses offered on Temple's domestic campuses and may be supplemented with study abroad coursework.
This concentration is restricted to Klein students only.
Requirements
To earn the International Communication Concentration transcript notation, a student must successfully complete a total of 18-20 credits of International / Intercultural studies courses, a maximum 9 credits of which may come from courses transferred into Temple, across 3 areas. Each course that fulfills a requirement for the concentration must be passed with a C- or better.
Code | Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Common Course | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Intercultural Communication | ||
Intercultural Communication in the Workplace | ||
Klein International/Intercultural courses | ||
Select three of the following: | 9 | |
Any ADV, CMST, CSI, JRN, MSP, or PR courses taken as part of a Klein GO International Program, or on an overseas Temple Campus (Main Campus Students: Rome or Japan; TUJ Students: Main or Rome; Rome Students: Main or Japan). | ||
Any ADV, CMST, CSI, JRN, MSP, or PR International Internship completed as part of a Klein GO Program | ||
Intercultural and Cross Cultural Conflict | ||
Communication, Culture and Identity | ||
Intercultural Communication in the Workplace (if not used to fulfill common course requirement above) | ||
International Reporting | ||
Journalism and Globalization | ||
Media and Cultural Differences | ||
Communication and Development | ||
Information Society | ||
Global Media | ||
Global Communication and Leadership | ||
International/Intercultural Electives outside of Klein | ||
Note: Satisfying the GenEd World Society requirement by completing a Study Abroad does not also satisfy this requirement. | ||
Choose any two (2) courses of the following: | 6-8 | |
Up to any two foreign language courses | ||
Any non-Klein courses at the 2000-level or higher taken in a Klein GO International Program, or on an overseas Temple Campus (Main Campus Students: Rome or Japan; TUJ Students: Main or Rome; Rome Students: Main or Japan). | ||
Any non-Klein internship taken in a Klein GO International Program | ||
Anthropology | ||
Visual Anthropology of Modern Japan | ||
or ASST 2238 | Visual Anthropology of Modern Japan | |
The Anthropology of Modern China | ||
or ASST 2374 | The Anthropology of Modern China | |
Peoples of Latin America | ||
or LAS 2361 | Peoples of Latin America | |
Peoples and Cultures of the Caribbean | ||
or LAS 2362 | Peoples and Cultures of the Caribbean | |
Art History | ||
Roman Art and Archaeology | ||
Greek and Roman Sculpture | ||
Early Modern Italy and Spain in the 17th Century | ||
Northern and Global Baroque Art: Art in the Age of Rubens, Rembrandt, Vermeer | ||
Transnational Impressionisms | ||
Modern Art, 1900-1945 | ||
Arts of Asia | ||
History of Art in Rome (Study Abroad - Rome) | ||
Art and Culture in Ancient Rome (Study Abroad - Rome) | ||
Wonders of Rome: Art and Culture of the Baroque Era (Study Abroad - Rome) | ||
Galleries and Studios of Rome (Study Abroad - Rome) | ||
Arts of Asia (Study Abroad - Japan) | ||
Pre-Modern Japanese Art up to the Edo Period (Study Abroad - Japan) | ||
Asian Studies | ||
Practical Asian Society and Culture | ||
Survey of Japanese Literature Before 1868 | ||
Tokyo in Literature and Film | ||
or JPNS 2015 | Tokyo in Literature and Film | |
Japanese Literature in Film | ||
or JPNS 2021 | Japanese Literature in Film | |
Japan in a Changing World | ||
South Asia: Peoples, Culture, Experiences | ||
Japanese Culture | ||
or ANTH 2373 | Japanese Culture | |
Introduction to Southeast Asia: Insular | ||
Introduction to Southeast Asia: Mainland | ||
Introduction to Asian Business | ||
Ideology and Social Change in Japan | ||
or SOC 3247 | Ideology and Social Change in Japan | |
China: State and Society | ||
or POLS 3251 | China: State and Society | |
Contemporary China | ||
or HIST 3522 | Contemporary China | |
Japan Today | ||
or HIST 3541 | Japan Today | |
Women and Society in Japan | ||
or HIST 3542 | Women and Society in Japan | |
Film & Media Arts | ||
International Cinema | ||
Geography & Urban Studies | ||
Urban Systems in a Global Economy | ||
African Development | ||
East and South Asia | ||
or ASST 2074 | Geography of East and South Asia | |
International Urbanization | ||
Environmental Problems in Asia | ||
or ASST 3052 | Environmental Problems in Asia | |
or ENST 3052 | Environmental Problems in Asia | |
Geography of Travel and Tourism | ||
Transportation & Culture | ||
History | ||
History of Central Europe, 1618-1871 | ||
Central Europe Through Wars and Revolution, 1848-1989 | ||
Introduction to East Asia: China | ||
or ASST 2501 | Introduction to East Asia: China | |
Introduction to East Asia: Japan | ||
or ASST 2502 | Introduction to East Asia: Japan | |
Introduction to Southeast Asia: Insular | ||
or ASST 2503 | Introduction to Southeast Asia: Insular | |
Introduction to Southeast Asia: Mainland | ||
or ASST 2504 | Introduction to Southeast Asia: Mainland | |
Introduction to African History | ||
Introduction to Latin America | ||
Civilization and Modernity in the Caribbean | ||
or LAS 2515 | Civilization and Modernity in the Caribbean | |
Modern Islamic History | ||
Third World Issues through Film | ||
Irish History | ||
History of England | ||
Russia: Nationality and Empire | ||
Russia: Revolution, State, and Empire | ||
Southern Africa: A History | ||
The Chinese Revolution | ||
Modern India | ||
History of Vietnam | ||
History of Brazil | ||
or LAS 3561 | History of Brazil | |
Contemporary Mexico | ||
or LAS 3562 | Contemporary Mexico | |
Israel: History, Politics and Society | ||
Modern Middle East | ||
Third World Women's Lives | ||
Jewish Studies | ||
Jewish Diaspora/Survey of Jewish History | ||
Latin American Studies | ||
Latin America through Film and Fiction | ||
Comparative Political Systems in Latin America | ||
Fundamentals of Latin American Business | ||
or IB 2502 | Fundamentals of Latin American Business | |
Historical Continuity and Social Change in Latin America | ||
Sociology of Music: Nation, Race, Class and Gender in Argentina and Brazil | ||
"Other Voices" in Latin American Literature | ||
Caribbean Literature and Culture | ||
African Culture in Brazil | ||
Political Science | ||
Contemporary Politics of Europe | ||
Eastern Europe, Russia and the West | ||
Comparative Political Systems in Latin America | ||
Comparative Public Policy | ||
Politics of International Law | ||
Politics of the Global Economy | ||
International Organization | ||
British Government and Politics | ||
Mideast Politics | ||
East Asia and the United States | ||
or ASST 3252 | East Asia and the United States | |
International Environmental Policy | ||
or ENST 3265 | International Environmental Policy | |
Religion | ||
Religion and Human Sexuality | ||
Religion in Film | ||
Indian Philosophies and Religions | ||
or ASST 2101 | Religions of India | |
Introduction to Buddhism | ||
or ASST 2102 | Introduction to Buddhism | |
Chinese Religions - Confucius to Mao | ||
Zen Buddhism | ||
or ASST 2301 | Zen Buddhism | |
Introduction to Judaism | ||
or JST 2403 | Introduction to Judaism | |
Kabbalah and Mysticism | ||
or JST 2447 | Kabbalah and Mysticism | |
Jesus in the Media | ||
Introduction to Islam | ||
Religion in Contemporary Africa | ||
Monks, Masters, and Magicians: Religion in Premodern Chinese Literature | ||
or ASST 3011 | Monks, Masters, and Magicians: Religion in Premodern Chinese Literature | |
I-Ching, Tao, and Ch'an/Zen | ||
or ASST 3201 | I-Ching, Tao, and Ch'an/Zen | |
Japanese Religions | ||
or ASST 3301 | Japanese Religions | |
The Philosophies of Judaism | ||
or JST 3411 | The Philosophies of Judaism | |
The Islamic State | ||
Women in Islam | ||
Islamic Mysticism | ||
African Religions and New World Culture | ||
Total Credit Hours | 18-20 |
Contact Information
Jack Klotz, MSP Faculty Advisor
Annenberg Hall, Room 115
215-204-5823
jklotz@temple.edu
Accelerated Programs
Students may opt to pursue an accelerated +1 program, enabling them to complete both a bachelor's degree and master's degree in less time than the traditional route.
The following accelerated programs are available to students in the Communication Studies BA:
Lew Klein College of Media and Communication